Blue Gascony Griffon
bloo gas-KOH-nee GRIF-un
France· Gascony, southwestern France
The Blue Gascony Griffon is a rare French wire-haired scenthound from Gascony, developed for hunting hare over rough, scrubby terrain.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium or larger
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush plus occasional hand-stripping
Coat length
Wire
Sheds
Low to moderate
Lifespan
12-14 years
Town or country
Country preferred
Garden size needed
Medium or larger
Where it comes from
Origins of the Blue Gascony Griffon
Bred in Gascony from rough-coated hound stock, this griffon-type hound needed a wiry coat to protect it while working through thorny scrub and rough terrain in pursuit of hare. Its coarse jacket and dense undercoat set it apart from its smooth-coated Gascon relatives. The breed developed as a specialist for hunters wanting a tougher-coated companion for demanding southern French countryside. It remains a rare, dedicated hunter's breed.
- Region
- Gascony, southwestern France
- Climate it was bred for
- Warm, hilly farmland and scrubland of southwestern France
- Original job
- Hunting hare and small game over rough ground
The long read
About the breed
Its coarse, weatherproof coat evolved to protect it while working through thorny undergrowth, complementing the keen nose and stamina typical of Gascon hound breeds.
It is a sociable, affectionate dog with people but retains strong hunting instincts, needing plenty of exercise and a secure outdoor space.
The breed remains very rare, kept mainly by hunting enthusiasts in southwestern France.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Blue Gascony Griffon greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Blue Gascony Griffon is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Blue Gascony Griffon's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Griffon crosses
Wire-haired hounds were crossed with Gascon blue hound stock to create a tougher-coated hunting dog.
1920s
Type established
Breeders in southwestern France fixed the griffon coat and blue colouring as a distinct type.
1950s
Formal standard
A breed standard was drawn up separating it from smooth-coated Gascon hounds.
1990s
Small population maintained
The breed has remained rare but stable, kept by specialist hunters.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact and muscular with a deep chest.
- coat
- Harsh, wiry and dense with a thick undercoat.
- ears
- Set low, medium length, covered in slightly wavy hair.
- eyes
- Dark, alert expression.
- head
- Strong, with bushy eyebrows and a slight beard.
- size
- Dogs and bitches 50-57cm
- colour
- Mottled blue-grey with tan markings.
- temperament
- Sociable, tenacious and affectionate.
- general appearance
- A rustic, medium-sized hound with a coarse, weatherproof griffon coat and sturdy build.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Blue Gascony Griffons added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
Loading the wall…
Made for the Blue Gascony Griffon
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Blue Gascony Griffon illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Blue Gascony Griffon Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Blue Gascony Griffon illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Blue Gascony Griffon Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Blue Gascony Griffon illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Blue Gascony Griffon Mug
Ceramic mug with the Blue Gascony Griffon illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Slicker & Deshedding Brush
Self-cleaning slicker head for coats of every length.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Blue Gascony Griffon video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
Watch now